Ruthless France Crush Wales in Six Nations Opener

Antoine Dupont made a triumphant return to Six Nations action, orchestrating a dominant 43-0 victory for France over Wales at the Stade de France.

Dupont, who missed last year’s tournament to focus on the Paris Olympics, showcased his brilliance with a hat-trick of assists as Les Bleus overwhelmed their struggling opponents, handing Wales a 13th consecutive Test defeat.

Wingers Théo Attissogbé and Louis Bielle-Biarrey both crossed twice, while Julien Marchand, Émilien Gailleton, and Grégory Alldritt also touched down. Thomas Ramos added the extras from the tee to complete a statement performance.

Next up, France face a crucial clash against England, while Wales seek redemption in Italy.

Line-ups

France

Forwards

Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Alexandre Roumat, Emmanuel Meafou, François Cros, Paul Boudehent, Grégory Alldritt

Backs

Antoine Dupont (Captain), Romain Ntamack, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Yoram Moefana, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Théo Attissogbé, Thomas Ramos

Replacements

Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Georges-Henri Colombe, Hugo Auradou, Mickel Guillard, Oscar Jegou, Nolann Le Garrec, Émilien Gailleton

Wales

Forwards

Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Jac Morgan (Captain), Aaron Wainwright

Backs

Tomos Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Owen Watkin, Nick Tompkins, Tom Rogers, Liam Williams

Replacements

Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray

Stats

France (28) 43

Try: Attissogbé (18′, 34′), Bielle-Biarrey (23′, 40’+1), Marchand (55′), Gailleton (68′), Alldritt (78′)
Conversion: Ramos (19′, 24′, 35′, 40’+2)
Penalty: Ramos (18′, 32′, 36′, 79′)
Red Card: Ntamack (70′)